Despite leading 51-39 at halftime, the Miami Heat lost Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament game for the No. 7 seed to the Philadelphia 76ers. More bad news hit the Heat after the game.
Jimmy Butler missed the final seconds of the loss to Philadelphia. Following the game, it was announced that it may be a significant injury.
Shams Charania of The Athletic took to Twitter/X on Wednesday night and reported “Butler is feared to have an MCL injury in his knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . The injury could sideline Butler for an indefinite period. MRI to come.”
Following the loss to Philadelphia, Miami will host the Chicago Bulls on Friday to determine the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. The winner of that game will face the Boston Celtics, by far the No. 1 seed in both the conference and NBA and by far the league’s best team during the regular season.
So, while Wednesday’s loss to the 76ers didn’t end the season for the Heat, it created an incredibly bumpy road — even with complete health. If Butler is sidelined, the road gets even more challenging.
Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game during the regular season. He had 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals during Wednesday’s loss in Philadelphia.
The injury appeared to take place in the first quarter. Butler got 76ers guard Kelly Oubre to jump early on a pump fake. Oubre landed on Butler when he fell to the ground.
While Butler remained in the game, he was in clear pain after the injury.
[Shams Charania on Twitter/X]